Should I bring in my 335i for ECU update???

vasillalov · 01-04-2010, 02:41 PM

Folks,

I own a 2008 335i and I am guessing that the software version in the ECU is the same when the car came out of the factory in Oct 2007.

I've been reading that BMW has released several updates for the software since then as they are trying to address issues with turbo lag, wastegate chatter, etc. etc.

At the moment the car has just over 10K miles on it and it has been running great so far. Yes, I can definitely feel a 1-2 second turbo lag especially when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear around 3500 rpms.

That being said, should I consider bringing in my car for software update?

If so, how do I request such a service from my BMW Dealership? Can I just bring in the the car and tell them: "Hi folks, I want my ECU software updated to the latest available" ?

Thanks for your time in advance.

NRG · 01-04-2010, 02:48 PM

Do it! The latest updates are great.

SchwarzOpsAZ · 01-04-2010, 03:33 PM

I'm going in tomorrow for other stuff but mentioned to my service advisor I want to know what version my ECU has and to see if there are any updates. He said he'll get all that info when I come in with my key. I'll let you know how it goes and how I end up asking him to update it.

dtp3347 · 01-04-2010, 03:36 PM

I was wondering about this aswell but i had heard from a few people that you need to have a reason (something wrong) to have them upgrade the software and not just a "hey id like the new software plz" type thing.

Someone who has done this chime in!

scottp999 · 01-04-2010, 03:41 PM

Still running software from 4/2007 and loving it. Have not been back to the dealer, ever. Not going to fix something that does not seem broken.

HPFREAK · 01-04-2010, 04:37 PM

unless you are noticing weird issues with the car then dont bother with it.

NRG · 01-04-2010, 07:19 PM

I've paid for it, (nothing wrong with the car). Needed it to run GIAC. Here is my thread about it.

D335I · 01-04-2010, 08:10 PM

Got my car back today 36.0.1.0 is the latest and it does feel better, I was at 29x and totally stock it feels smoother and maybe a little louder. A friend recently got his done and said he felt it was one of the better upgrades.

LostMarine · 01-04-2010, 08:25 PM

im tuned and i had mine updated at my last service, I LOVE IT. i don't know what they did, but it felt smoother, runs better and was definatly louder/deeper

jreich · 01-04-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMarine

im tuned and i had mine updated at my last service, I LOVE IT. i don't know what they did, but it felt smoother, runs better and was definatly louder/deeper

Thats the one thing I noticed when I brought my car in for warranty work (came with a new software update).. the stock exhaust was about 20-30% louder than before. You can actually hear it drowning a little bit at highway speeds.

Brock · 01-04-2010, 09:00 PM

okay....JB+ states that cars before a certain build date can use it at 100% with little chance of codes and such. Mine is September 2006 build so I am before that date.

Will getting program updated to most current version put me automatically in the later group that will get tuner codes thrown over the STOCK setting on the JB+?

scottp999 · 01-04-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

okay....JB+ states that cars before a certain build date can use it at 100% with little chance of codes and such. Mine is September 2006 build so I am before that date.

Will getting program updated to most current version put me automatically in the later group that will get tuner codes thrown over the STOCK setting on the JB+?

Yes. Once you go >= 29.2 progman you will have the possibility of tuner codes. on the earlier versions tuner codes did not exist.

LostMarine · 01-05-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

okay....JB+ states that cars before a certain build date can use it at 100% with little chance of codes and such. Mine is September 2006 build so I am before that date.

Will getting program updated to most current version put me automatically in the later group that will get tuner codes thrown over the STOCK setting on the JB+?

i wouldn't worry about it, in a feew weeks you'll be buying the JB3 and BT anyway.. its the natural course.. we all did it..

SchwarzOpsAZ · 01-05-2010, 11:03 AM

Just got back from the dealer. He tried to get my DME version from my key bringing up the specs on his computer. It didn't show on his screen or printout and since I had nothing wrong with the car he didn't make any more effort to figure it out. Said I should just leave it until I have a problem or bring it in for the 1st service.

lookin4e90 · 01-05-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRG

I've paid for it, (nothing wrong with the car). Needed it to run GIAC. Here is my thread about it.

GIAC made a custom file for my car because I had the old ECU version, just took a couple more hours. I still have the old ECU and my GIAC car runs great.

FWIW I've asked for an ECU update as well and dealer said no need if nothing's broken. I agreed with them, for once.

Brock · 01-05-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottp999

Yes. Once you go >= 29.2 progman you will have the possibility of tuner codes. on the earlier versions tuner codes did not exist.

thats what I thought...but after some posts it seemed like they thought it was an ABSOLUTE that a pre 2008 car would NEVER throw a code....glad to hear I was not smoking the pipe.

Should find out what load my car has on Friday....may just do an intake mod until 4 year warranty is over then go wild...

BayMoWe335 · 01-05-2010, 04:44 PM

How do you tell which software you're running? I know it's been said...

NRG · 01-05-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BayMoWe335

How do you tell which software you're running? I know it's been said...

Your dealer will tell you after scanning your car key.

vasillalov · 01-06-2010, 03:48 PM

I just called my SA and told her that I saw that there are couple of TSB out there for updated software. I told her that I wanted the latest and greatest BMW has to offer. She said that they would love to upgrade the software of my ECU. I have an appointment at 8:30 am tomorrow.

I will post a update once I get more information.

twinship · 01-11-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

I just called my SA and told her that I saw that there are couple of TSB out there for updated software. I told her that I wanted the latest and greatest BMW has to offer. She said that they would love to upgrade the software of my ECU. I have an appointment at 8:30 am tomorrow.

I will post a update once I get more information.

Update...?

arhim22 · 01-11-2010, 10:19 AM

how much is the update?

vasillalov · 01-11-2010, 11:45 AM

Sorry for the delay folks,

I went to pick up my car and talked to my SA. They did not update the software because there was nothing wrong with my car, and indeed that is the case.

They said that they can upgrade my software under the following conditions:

1. Customer complaint, verified by technicians and valid warranty is still in place
2. Customer pays for the services. In my case they said $230.00 for update to the latest and the greatest.

I am thinking of waiting for a month and then bringing it in for "turbo lag" problems. I am also seeing problems with the passenger airbag sensor. Sometimes it won't activate the passenger airbag, even though there is a passenger on the seat with the seatbelt on.

Can anyone suggest better methods for getting the latest ECU updates without having to pay? What would be a convincing case to bring up to the SA at the dealership?

Thanks

01-04-2010, 02:41 PM	#1
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1121 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Should I bring in my 335i for ECU update??? Folks, I own a 2008 335i and I am guessing that the software version in the ECU is the same when the car came out of the factory in Oct 2007. I've been reading that BMW has released several updates for the software since then as they are trying to address issues with turbo lag, wastegate chatter, etc. etc. At the moment the car has just over 10K miles on it and it has been running great so far. Yes, I can definitely feel a 1-2 second turbo lag especially when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear around 3500 rpms. That being said, should I consider bringing in my car for software update? If so, how do I request such a service from my BMW Dealership? Can I just bring in the the car and tell them: "Hi folks, I want my ECU software updated to the latest available" ? Thanks for your time in advance.
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01-04-2010, 02:48 PM	#2
NRG Lieutenant Colonel 36 Rep 1,658 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal QC iTrader: (5)	Do it! The latest updates are great. __________________ Retired: 2005 N52 E90 330i Sport 6AT Retired: 2007 N54 E92 335i Sport 6AT Current: 2012 M57 E70 X5 xDrive35D
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01-04-2010, 03:33 PM	#3
SchwarzOpsAZ Private First Class 19 Rep 163 Posts Drives: 09 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 335i [0.00]	I'm going in tomorrow for other stuff but mentioned to my service advisor I want to know what version my ECU has and to see if there are any updates. He said he'll get all that info when I come in with my key. I'll let you know how it goes and how I end up asking him to update it. __________________
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01-04-2010, 03:36 PM	#4
dtp3347 Lieutenant 53 Rep 488 Posts Drives: Silver E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alpharetta, Ga iTrader: (2)	I was wondering about this aswell but i had heard from a few people that you need to have a reason (something wrong) to have them upgrade the software and not just a "hey id like the new software plz" type thing. Someone who has done this chime in!
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01-04-2010, 03:41 PM	#5
scottp999 Brigadier General 133 Rep 4,764 Posts Drives: 4runner SR5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 335 [9.00]	Still running software from 4/2007 and loving it. Have not been back to the dealer, ever. Not going to fix something that does not seem broken.
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01-04-2010, 04:37 PM	#6
HPFREAK Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,884 Posts Drives: C6 ZO6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (8)	unless you are noticing weird issues with the car then dont bother with it. __________________ My Youtube Channel
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01-04-2010, 07:19 PM	#7
NRG Lieutenant Colonel 36 Rep 1,658 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal QC iTrader: (5)	I've paid for it, (nothing wrong with the car). Needed it to run GIAC. Here is my thread about it. __________________ Retired: 2005 N52 E90 330i Sport 6AT Retired: 2007 N54 E92 335i Sport 6AT Current: 2012 M57 E70 X5 xDrive35D
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01-04-2010, 08:10 PM	#8
D335I Private First Class 15 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 07, 6SPD, WHITE, RED INTR Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mid West iTrader: (0)	Got my car back today 36.0.1.0 is the latest and it does feel better, I was at 29x and totally stock it feels smoother and maybe a little louder. A friend recently got his done and said he felt it was one of the better upgrades.
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01-04-2010, 08:25 PM	#9
LostMarine Banned 40 Rep 950 Posts Drives: Lying Vendors Crazy Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: F**K You Up- NJ iTrader: (2)	im tuned and i had mine updated at my last service, I LOVE IT. i don't know what they did, but it felt smoother, runs better and was definatly louder/deeper
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01-04-2010, 09:00 PM	#11
Brock Private 2 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Charleston SC iTrader: (0)	okay....JB+ states that cars before a certain build date can use it at 100% with little chance of codes and such. Mine is September 2006 build so I am before that date. Will getting program updated to most current version put me automatically in the later group that will get tuner codes thrown over the STOCK setting on the JB+? __________________ 2007 E90 335i TiSilver, Steptronic w/ Premium, Sport, Sirius, Heated Seats, Logic7, 162 wheels. Lowcountry Amsoil of Charleston
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01-05-2010, 11:03 AM	#14
SchwarzOpsAZ Private First Class 19 Rep 163 Posts Drives: 09 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 335i [0.00]	Just got back from the dealer. He tried to get my DME version from my key bringing up the specs on his computer. It didn't show on his screen or printout and since I had nothing wrong with the car he didn't make any more effort to figure it out. Said I should just leave it until I have a problem or bring it in for the 1st service. __________________
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01-05-2010, 04:44 PM	#17
BayMoWe335 Colonel 1176 Rep 2,132 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: US iTrader: (0)	How do you tell which software you're running? I know it's been said...
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01-06-2010, 03:48 PM	#19
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1121 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	I just called my SA and told her that I saw that there are couple of TSB out there for updated software. I told her that I wanted the latest and greatest BMW has to offer. She said that they would love to upgrade the software of my ECU. I have an appointment at 8:30 am tomorrow. I will post a update once I get more information.
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01-11-2010, 10:19 AM	#21
arhim22 Lieutenant 40 Rep 538 Posts Drives: 2008 M6, 2004 Lamborghini G Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Orlando FL/UCF iTrader: (0)	how much is the update?
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01-11-2010, 11:45 AM	#22
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1121 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Sorry for the delay folks, I went to pick up my car and talked to my SA. They did not update the software because there was nothing wrong with my car, and indeed that is the case. They said that they can upgrade my software under the following conditions: 1. Customer complaint, verified by technicians and valid warranty is still in place 2. Customer pays for the services. In my case they said $230.00 for update to the latest and the greatest. I am thinking of waiting for a month and then bringing it in for "turbo lag" problems. I am also seeing problems with the passenger airbag sensor. Sometimes it won't activate the passenger airbag, even though there is a passenger on the seat with the seatbelt on. Can anyone suggest better methods for getting the latest ECU updates without having to pay? What would be a convincing case to bring up to the SA at the dealership? Thanks
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